Extra-Curricular Activities

Definition(s): 

For the purposes of this policy, extra-curricular activities refer to a range of meaningful complementary programs that extend and enhance the taught curriculum and develop the potential of all students whether on-campus or off-campus (e.g. field trips, social or physical activities like swimming, inter and inter-school sports competition). These additional optional programs or activities may be offered in several ways and cover a variety of areas of student development and student interests, taking into account the religious, social, and cultural norms of the UAE. We aim to offer these extra opportunities through various types of provision delivered by school staff, external providers, and independent clubs — all with a view to increasing the range of student experiences, enabling them to make informed choices for adult life.

Purpose(s): 

• To ensure that all Schools provide additional activities for a wide range of students’ needs and interests in order to help them develop as healthy, confident, creative, socially adept, and culturally aware individuals. 
•  To guide with regard to organizing extra-curricular activities and graduation ceremonies in terms of financial cost, supporting services, and participants. 

Policy: 

AAS offers comprehensive, balanced, and appropriate extra-curricular activities to support students’ growth and encourage their participation. The school records the students’ attendance in these activities which shall be properly and continuously supervised. The policy set out the AAS procedures for organizing such activities, making reference to rigorous assessment of potential risks, detailed planning, and safe supervision. AAS offers students extra-curricular activities that create enjoyable learning experiences and opportunities. AAS is free to determine its own programs of extra-curricular activities and should wherever possible take into account students’ and Parents’/Guardians’ ideas and interests when planning such programs. Extra-curricular activities will not be conducted when compulsory classes are taking place. Such activities normally take place before the beginning of classes, during breaks, after the end of the compulsory school day, and on weekends or during School holidays in the form of school clubs. If any extra-curricular activity requires payment of fees by students, the School will set the fees at a reasonable and affordable level to enable the majority of students to participate. AAS will not seek to make a profit from these activities. All extra-curricular activities will be considered religious, cultural, and social norms of the UAE and the morals, customs, and traditions of UAE society, and will abide by the Council’s requirements as follows: 

Written Consent Forms

Every participating student must have a prior signed written consent form from his/her Parent/Guardian to take part in any School extra-curricular activity. The consent form must be retained as a reference document with the responsible staff member. This form should provide all essential information to Parents/Guardians such as the type and objective of the activity, duration, place, cost (if any), name of School supervisors, contact details, and transportation arrangements. 

Supervision and Monitoring 

AAS will provide adequate and qualified adult supervision for all School activities, including local trips and trips abroad as well as recreational, break and play times. Supervisors must take into account the nature of the activity and the ages and numbers of participating students and must ensure that an emergency plan has been prepared. Students will not be left unsupervised at School at any time, whether before, during, or after the day’s lessons and/or during extra-curricular activities. Students attending afterschool activities or field trips are to be supervised until they are picked up by authorized people or are delivered home via School transportation. AAS accurately and continuously will record students’ attendance at all School extra-curricular activities. 

The Availability of Medically Qualified Staff and Risk Assessment 

Whenever sporting or other extra-curricular activities take place, a qualified person shall be on duty to provide emergency first aid services. A first aid kit must be available at all times to administer emergency treatment to an injured or sick person before professional medical care is available. AAS educational health and safety officer will conduct risk assessments for all extra-curricular activities and ensure that all such activities are managed at all times in a safe and secure manner. 

Roles and Responsibilities:

The school should address the roles and responsibilities of the various parties that make up the school community regarding the ECA policy. These might include the following:

School Administration

· Extracurricular Activities/Clubs are scheduled every Thursday after school hours. 

· The clubs would run from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm every Thursday. 

· For students involved in clubs and activities, parents will have to make necessary arrangements to schedule a pick-up at 3:30 pm. The school shall not be liable to provide transportation for those involved in Clubs. 

ECA Teachers 

· To implement the policy and provide feedback on its application. 

· To keep records of ECA incidents and report these to the Principal/Deputy Principal. 

· To ensure student awareness and acceptance of the policy. 

Parents 

· To read, understand, and support the policy. 

· To provide any relevant information requested by the school regarding their children and ECA. 

· To encourage their children to participate in ECA. 

· To support and affirm teachers involved in ECA.

Students 

· To obey all instructions of supervisors of ECA. 

· To always act in a safe manner when involved in ECA. 

· To acknowledge the work being done through ECA on their behalf by being always respectful. 

· To enjoy and attain fulfillment from their involvement.